Saving Old Seagulls

I have removed the two screws i now have the problem of getting the cover off any ideas? i have used a piece of wood and tapped all round but no joy it seems stuck fast

Dave

I Maybe wrong, but tap the prop shaft should push the cap off.

Doh! is it that simple? will try that tomorrow

Dave

i don't think that will work. the shaft has collar that will prevent it from moving back enough to push the back cover off.
i just disassembled 2 lowers - and both covers were tough to get off. you can't tap them sideways to push them off because inside the cover is an inner part that extends into the main section.

i took a wood dowell and placed it on the side of the meaty part that the screw goes through. tap the dowell lightly a hammer and try to rotate the cover in a circle. once it moves around a bit the crud holding it tight will break loose and you can wiggle it out.

note that theres a paper gasket between the cover and the main housing. i got some gasket material from the local auto parts store and cut my own replacement. a tracing of the cover and a razor blade will get you going...

if you want to clean the lower while the cover is off; i soak all in hot soapy water to get the worse of the oil and goo out. rinse in hot water to remove soap, then rinse again in WD-40 or mineral spirits. dry being sure not to use one of the wife's nice dishtowells. oil the bearing surfaces, replace gasket, add lube oil, and grove on the coolness of a refurbished lower unit.

Done that thanks now have the back off next question is how do i remove the gears to clean them up doeas the shaft tap through? i dont want to tap anything i shouldnt

Dave

The previously mentioned brass collar has a pin through it . tap the pin out carefully and you should be able to remove the shaft and gear.
You can clean the pinion without removing it.

i've just started soaking the entire gearbox w/o taking it apart other than removing the back. you can remove a lot of the goop with strong soap and water. once done rinse in mineral spirits to remove water and whatever the soap didn't get. dry, oil the bushings, make a new gasket, put back together and add oil.

I will have a look at taking the prop shaft out i don't want to go beyond my abilities. No goo to clear out as mine was just dust no rust to speak of but it would be nice to see the gears are in good order.

Dave

Guys, could any of you post some pics of the gearbox when it's dismantled, it would be good to see. I don't confess to be too clever at engine repairs but so far I'm doing alright thanks to you guys, pics are a great help. I've a FPC fully working which could do with some cosmetic work etc but I won't touch at the moment, however I have two FPs dismantled so giving the gears a good clean wouldn't do any harm. Cheers

Not much to it, dont lose the thrust washer when you take it apart.

H-A

bbdave wrote:I will have a look at taking the prop shaft out i don't want to go beyond my abilities. No goo to clear out as mine was just dust no rust to speak of but it would be nice to see the gears are in good order.

Dave

they're ok. if you don't see any loose gear teeth rattling around in the housing then odds are you've got no problems, besides - you can cause yourself some trouble by taking things apart.

please don't ask me about the prop shaft i bent by tapping out the brass pin that hold the collar on. took me an hour to get it straightened again. and the bevel pinion? seagull service sheets warn against removing it.

consider just rinsing everything in solvent, a new gasket, then replacing cover and adding oil. you'll be good to go.

1957 little forty LS



Just followed instructions. No rust or evidence of it.
Fairy Liquid + hot water, rinse and dry, followed by a final rinse in petrol.
No need to remove the brass washer and pin.

Question: Will any old gasket material do for making a new one or does it need to be able to let water in to make a water/oil emulsion? Does John have new ones available to purchase?

Thanks
Paul

The gasket should be 0.01" thick, & just made of gasket paper.

nice one man

For the inexperienced like me